Cardinals vs Angels starting pitchers
- Griffin Canning for Los Angeles Angels
- Lance Lynn for St. Louis Cardinals
Cardinals vs Angels game preview
In an upcoming MLB showdown, the St. Louis Cardinals and the Los Angeles Angels are set to face off, each team looking to turn their season around as they stand fifth in their respective divisions. Taking the mound for the Cardinals will be Lance Lynn, who brings mixed results into the game with an ERA of 3.79 and a WHIP of 1.41, indicative of his struggle with consistency this season. Opposing him will be the Angels' Griffin Canning, who has been grappling with challenges of his own, evidenced by a higher ERA of 5.75 despite a slightly better WHIP of 1.35. This pitching matchup sets the stage for what could be a tight contest or an opportunity for either line-up to capitalize on the opposing starter’s vulnerabilities.
The Cardinals, arriving with a less than stellar offensive record, rank near the bottom in several key batting metrics, including a distressing 26th in batting average and 28th in runs scored. This inefficiency at the plate will be a significant hurdle as they face the Angels. The team's performance will heavily rely on leaders like Nolan Arenado, who continues to contribute significant RBIs. However, they will miss the presence of Willson Contreras, sidelined due to surgery, stripping them of a crucial power bat. It is imperative for the Cardinals to find ways to generate more on-base opportunities and capitalize on them if they aim to support Lynn adequately from the mound.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Angels, while stronger in batting with a middle-pack ranking in runs and a notable 9th in hits, also struggle with their overall consistency. Key player Mike Trout's absence due to knee surgery is a huge blow, but others like Taylor Ward have stepped up to fill the void, leading the team in RBIs. The Angels’ ability to leverage their relatively superior speed (8th in stolen bases) might serve them well in creating scoring opportunities, particularly if Canning can keep them in the game against a struggling Cardinals batting lineup. Looking to break their home losing streak, the Angels have a good chance to capitalize against the Cardinals if they can play a tight, aggressive game.
Los Angeles Angels injuries
- Ryan Costeiu (SP): Day-To-Day
- Luis Rengifo (2B): 10-Day-IL
- Evan White (1B): Day-To-Day
- Miguel Sano (3B): 10-Day-IL
- Jose Cisnero (RP): 15-Day-IL
St. Louis Cardinals injuries
- Giovanny Gallegos (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Steven Matz (SP): 15-Day-IL
- Keynan Middleton (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Riley O'Brien (RP): 60-Day-IL
- Tommy Edman (SS): 60-Day-IL
Cardinals vs Angels predictions
The Cardinals are rolling into Anaheim, looking to keep their momentum going against a struggling Angels squad. I've got a feeling about a few St. Louis players making some noise in this one. Nolan Arenado is due for a big game, and I think he cracks a homer and drives in a pair. Paul Goldschmidt is always a threat, and I see him collecting a couple of hits and scoring a run. And don't sleep on Masyn Winn, the young shortstop is on a roll and I think he gets on base a couple of times and scores a run. If these guys get going, the Cardinals will be tough to beat.
On the other side, the Angels need some of their big bats to step up if they want to take down the Cardinals. Mike Trout is obviously the key, and I think he gets a couple of hits and drives in a run. Taylor Ward has been a bright spot for the Angels this season, and I see him reaching base a couple of times and scoring a run. And if Griffin Canning can give them a solid outing on the mound, they might have a chance. But let's be real, the Angels' pitching has been a mess lately, and I'm not confident they can shut down the Cardinals' offense.
All things considered, I think the Cardinals have too much firepower and take this one 6-4. Lance Lynn is on the hill for St. Louis, and I trust him to keep the Angels' bats in check. Meanwhile, Canning will struggle to contain the Cardinals' offense, and the bullpen won't be able to hold up. It won't be a blowout, but the Cardinals will find a way to come out on top.
